Part xiii Behaviour, discipline and safety

300.  (1)  In this Part,

“school premises” means, with respect to a school, the school buildings and premises. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

Same

(2)  In this Part, where reference is made to a regulation or to a matter prescribed by regulation, it means a regulation to be made by the Minister under this Part. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(3)  Where notice is given to a person under this Part, it shall be considered to have been received by the person in accordance with the following rules:

1. If the notice is sent by mail or another method in which an original document is sent, the notice shall be considered to have been received by the person to whom it was sent on the fifth school day after the day on which it was sent.

2. If the notice is sent by fax or another method of electronic transmission, the notice shall be considered to have been received by the person to whom it was sent on the first school day after the day on which it was sent.

300.0.1  The purposes of this Part include the following:

1. To create schools in Ontario that are safe, inclusive and accepting of all pupils.

2. To encourage a positive school climate and prevent inappropriate behaviour, including bullying, sexual assault, gender-based violence and incidents based on homophobia, transphobia or biphobia.

3. To address inappropriate pupil behaviour and promote early intervention.

4. To provide support to pupils who are impacted by inappropriate behaviour of other pupils.

5. To establish disciplinary approaches that promote positive behaviour and use measures that include appropriate consequences and supports for pupils to address inappropriate behaviour.

6. To provide pupils with a safe learning environment.

300.0.2  (1)  The week beginning on the third Sunday in November in each year is proclaimed as Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. 2012, c. 5, s. 7.

(2)  The purpose of subsection (1) is to promote awareness and understanding of bullying and its consequences in the school community.

300.1  (1)  A principal of a school may delegate in writing any of his or her powers, duties or functions under this Part to,

(a) a vice-principal of the school;

(b) a teacher employed in the school;

(c) a person appointed by a board under paragraph 5.1 of subsection 171 (1) to supervise persons in positions designated by the board as requiring an early childhood educator; and

(d) a person appointed by a board under subsection 260 (2) to a position in an extended day program designated by the board as requiring an early childhood educator. 2009, c. 17, s. 1; 2011, c. 9, Sched. 10, s. 12 (1).

(2)  A teacher who is not a vice-principal may only act under a delegation under this section if the principal and vice-principal of the school are absent from the school. 2009, c. 17, s. 1.

(2.1)  A person described in clause (1) (c) or (d) may only act under a delegation under this section if,

(a) the principal and vice-principal of the school are absent from the school;

(b) the delegated power, duty or function is exercised in respect of a pupil enrolled in an extended day program in the school; and

(c) the delegated power, duty or function is exercised during the time that the extended day program is operated in the school. 2011, c. 9, Sched. 10, s. 12 (2).

Same

(3)  A delegation under this section is subject to any restrictions, limitations and conditions set out in the delegation. 2009, c. 17, s. 1.

(4)  A delegation under this section shall be in accordance with any policies and guidelines established by the Minister under subsection 301 (5.1) or by the board under subsection 302 (0.1). 2009, c. 17, s. 1.

300.2  (1)  An employee of a board who becomes aware that a pupil of a school of the board may have engaged in an activity described in subsection 306 (1) or 310 (1) shall report to the principal of the school about the matter. 2009, c. 17, s. 1; 2012, c. 5, s. 8 (1).

(2)  An employee shall report to the principal as soon as reasonably possible or, if a different time period is specified by the policies or guidelines, within that time period. 2012, c. 5, s. 8 (2).

(3)  A principal shall investigate any matter reported under subsection (1). 2012, c. 5, s. 8 (2).

(4)  After investigating a matter reported under subsection (1), the principal shall communicate the results of the investigation to,

(a) if the matter was reported by a teacher, that teacher; or

(b) if the matter was reported by an employee who is not a teacher, that employee unless, in the principal’s opinion, it would not be appropriate to do so. 2012, c. 5, s. 8 (2).

(5)  The principal shall not disclose more personal information under subsection (4) than is reasonably necessary for the purpose of communicating the results of the investigation. 2012, c. 5, s. 8 (2).

300.3  (1)  Subject to subsections (2) and (3), if the principal of a school believes that a pupil of the school has been harmed as a result of an activity described in subsection 306 (1) or 310 (1), the principal shall, as soon as reasonably possible, notify,

(a) the parent or guardian of the pupil who the principal believes has been harmed; and

(b) the parent or guardian of any pupil of the school who the principal believes has engaged in the activity that resulted in the harm. 2012, c. 5, s. 9 (1).

(2)  A principal shall not, without the pupil’s consent, notify a parent or guardian of a pupil who is,

(a) 18 years or older; or

(b) 16 or 17 years old and has withdrawn from parental control. 2009, c. 17, s. 1.

(3)  A principal shall not notify a parent or guardian of a pupil if in the opinion of the principal doing so would put the pupil at risk of harm from a parent or guardian of the pupil, such that the notification is not in the pupil’s best interests. 2009, c. 17, s. 1.

(4)  When notifying a parent or guardian of a pupil under clause (1) (a), the principal shall disclose,

(a) the nature of the activity that resulted in harm to the pupil;

(b) the nature of the harm to the pupil;

(c) the steps taken to protect the pupil’s safety, including the nature of any disciplinary measures taken in response to the activity; and

(d) the supports that will be provided for the pupil in response to the harm that resulted from the activity. 2012, c. 5, s. 9 (2).

(5)  When notifying a parent or guardian of a pupil under clause (1) (a), the principal shall not disclose the name of or any other identifying or personal information about a pupil who engaged in the activity that resulted in the harm, except in so far as is necessary to comply with subsection (4). 2009, c. 17, s. 1; 2012, c. 5, s. 9 (3).

(6)  When notifying a parent or guardian of a pupil under clause (1) (b), the principal shall disclose,

(a) the nature of the activity that resulted in harm to the other pupil;

(b) the nature of the harm to the other pupil;

(c) the nature of any disciplinary measures taken in response to the activity; and

(d) the supports that will be provided for the pupil in response to his or her engagement in the activity. 2012, c. 5, s. 9 (4).

(7)  When notifying a parent or guardian of a pupil under clause (1) (b), the principal shall not disclose the name of or any other identifying or personal information about a pupil who has been harmed as a result of the activity, except in so far as is necessary to comply with subsection (6). 2012, c. 5, s. 9 (4).

(8)  When notifying a parent or guardian under this section, the principal shall invite the parent or guardian to have a discussion with the principal about the supports that will be provided for his or her child. 2012, c. 5, s. 9 (4).

300.4  (1)  If the Minister has established policies or guidelines under subsection 301 (5.6), an employee of a board who observes a pupil of a school of the board behaving in a way that is likely to have a negative impact on the school climate shall respond in accordance with those policies and guidelines and in accordance with any policies and guidelines established by the board under subsection 302 (3.3). 2009, c. 17, s. 1.

(2)  Subsection (1) does not apply in circumstances set out in a regulation made under clause 316 (1) (d). 2009, c. 17, s. 1.

301.  (1)  The Minister may establish a code of conduct governing the behaviour of all persons in schools. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(2)  The following are the purposes of the code of conduct:

1. To ensure that all members of the school community, especially people in positions of authority, are treated with respect and dignity.

2. To promote responsible citizenship by encouraging appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community.

3. To maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility.

4. To encourage the use of non-violent means to resolve conflict.

5. To promote the safety of people in the schools.

6. To discourage the use of alcohol and illegal drugs.

7. To prevent bullying in schools. 2000, c. 12, s. 3; 2012, c. 5, s. 10 (1).

Notice

(3)  Every board shall take such steps as the Minister directs to bring the code of conduct to the attention of pupils, parents and guardians of pupils and others who may be present in schools under the jurisdiction of the board. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(3.1)  If a board enters into an agreement with another person or entity, other than a board, respecting the use of a school operated by the board, the board shall include in the agreement a requirement that the person or entity follow standards that are consistent with the code of conduct. 2012, c. 5, s. 10 (2).

(4)  The code of conduct is a policy of the Minister. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(5)  The Minister may establish additional policies and guidelines with respect to the conduct of persons in schools. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(5.1)  The Minister may establish policies and guidelines with respect to delegation by principals, under section 300.1, of their powers, duties or functions under this Part. 2009, c. 17, s. 2.

(5.2)  The Minister may establish policies and guidelines requiring individuals described in subsection (5.3) who become aware that a pupil of a school of a board may have engaged in an activity described in subsection 306 (1) or 310 (1) to report to the principal of the school about the matter, as soon as reasonably possible. 2009, c. 17, s. 2.

(5.3)  The individuals referred to in subsection (5.2) are individuals who are not board employees who come into direct contact with pupils of a board on a regular basis in the normal course of,

(a) providing goods or services to the board;

(b) carrying out their employment functions as an employee of a person who provides goods or services to the board; or

(c) providing services to a person who provides goods or services to the board. 2009, c. 17, s. 2.

(d) providing programs or services to pupils in a school of the board.

(5.4)  The Minister may establish policies and guidelines with respect to reporting to principals under section 300.2 or under a policy or guideline established under subsection (5.2). 2009, c. 17, s. 2.

(5.5)  The Minister may establish policies and guidelines with respect to the support to be provided to a pupil when a principal does not notify a parent or guardian of the pupil because of the circumstances described in subsection 300.3 (3). 2009, c. 17, s. 2.

(5.6)  The Minister may establish policies and guidelines with respect to responses under section 300.4 by employees of a board, including but not limited to policies and guidelines with respect to the kinds of responses that are appropriate. 2009, c. 17, s. 2.

(6)  The Minister shall establish policies and guidelines with respect to disciplining pupils, which must include policies and guidelines respecting,

(a) the use of disciplinary measures within a framework that,

(i) identifies pupil behaviours that are inappropriate and that, without excluding less serious behaviour, include bullying, sexual assault, gender-based violence and incidents based on homophobia, transphobia or biphobia,

(ii) provides for appropriate consequences for pupils who engage in inappropriate behaviour,

(iii) provides for progressively more serious consequences for repeated or more serious inappropriate behaviour,

(iv) provides support for pupils who are impacted by inappropriate behaviour, and for pupils who engage in inappropriate behaviour, to assist them in developing healthy relationships, making good choices, continuing their learning and achieving success,

(v) provides for prevention strategies, and

(vi) provides for early and ongoing intervention strategies;

(b) opportunities for all pupils, their parents and guardians, and all teachers and other staff members in a school to increase their understanding and awareness of inappropriate pupil behaviour;

(c) opportunities for all teachers and other staff members in a school to increase their ability to respond to inappropriate pupil behaviour;

(d) training for all teachers and other staff;

(e) procedures for responding appropriately and in a timely manner to inappropriate behaviour;

(f) resources to support pupils who are impacted by inappropriate behaviour;

(g) resources to support pupils who have engaged in inappropriate behaviour;

(h) a process that parents or guardians of pupils described in clause (f) or (g) can follow if they have concerns about the support provided to their child. 2012, c. 5, s. 10 (3).

(6.1)  The Minister may establish policies and guidelines with respect to,

(a) appeals of a decision to suspend a pupil;

(b) principals’ investigations to determine whether to recommend that a pupil be expelled; and

(c) expulsion hearings. 2007, c. 14, s. 2.

Same, promoting safety

(7)  The Minister may establish policies and guidelines to promote the safety of pupils. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(7.1)  The Minister shall establish policies and guidelines with respect to bullying prevention and intervention in schools, which must include policies and guidelines respecting,

(a) training for all teachers and other staff;

(b) resources to support pupils who have been bullied;

(c) strategies to support pupils who witness incidents of bullying;

(d) resources to support pupils who have engaged in bullying;

(e) procedures that allow pupils to report incidents of bullying safely and in a way that minimizes the possibility of reprisal;

(f) procedures that allow parents and guardians and other persons to report incidents of bullying;

(g) the use of disciplinary measures within the framework described in clause (6) (a) in response to bullying;

(h) procedures for responding appropriately and in a timely manner to bullying;

(i) matters to be addressed in bullying prevention and intervention plans established by boards under section 303.3. 2012, c. 5, s. 10 (4).

Same, collection of information

(7.2)  The Minister may establish policies and guidelines requiring boards to collect specified information relating to behaviour, discipline and safety in schools. 2012, c. 5, s. 10 (4).

(7.3)  The Minister may establish policies and guidelines with respect to the reports required under subsection 314.5 (1), including policies and guidelines respecting the form and content of the reports and the times at which they must be submitted. 2012, c. 5, s. 10 (4).

(8)  The Minister may establish different policies and guidelines under this section for different circumstances, for different locations and for different classes of persons. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(9)  The Minister may require boards to comply with policies and guidelines established under this section. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(10)  Policies and guidelines established under this section are not regulations within the meaning of Part III (Regulations) of the Legislation Act, 2006. 2000, c. 12, s. 3; 2006, c. 21, Sched. F, s. 136 (1).

(11)  The Minister may require boards to submit any policy or guideline established under section 302 to the Minister and to implement changes to the policy or guideline as directed by the Minister. 2012, c. 5, s. 10 (4).

302.  (0.1)  Every board shall establish policies and guidelines with respect to delegation by principals, under section 300.1, of their powers, duties or functions under this Part and the policies and guidelines must be consistent with the policies and guidelines established by the Minister under section 301, and must address such matters and include such requirements as the Minister may specify. 2009, c. 17, s. 3 (1).

(1)  Every board shall establish policies and guidelines with respect to the conduct of persons in schools within the board’s jurisdiction and the policies and guidelines must address such matters and include such requirements as the Minister may specify. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(2)  Every board shall establish policies and guidelines with respect to disciplining pupils, and the policies and guidelines must,

(a) be consistent with this Part and with those established by the Minister under section 301;

(b) address every matter described in clauses 301 (6) (a) to (h); and

(c) address any other matter and include any other requirement that the Minister may specify. 2012, c. 5, s. 11 (1).

Same, promoting safety

(3)  If required to do so by the Minister, a board shall establish policies and guidelines to promote the safety of pupils, and the policies and guidelines must be consistent with those established by the Minister under section 301 and must address such matters and include such requirements as the Minister may specify. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(3.1)  If required to do so by the Minister, a board shall establish policies and guidelines with respect to reporting to principals under section 300.2 or under a policy or guideline established under subsection 301 (5.2), and the policies and guidelines must be consistent with those established by the Minister under section 301 and must address such matters and include such requirements as the Minister may specify. 2009, c. 17, s. 3 (2).

(3.2)  If required to do so by the Minister, a board shall establish policies and guidelines with respect to the support to be provided to a pupil when a principal does not notify a parent or guardian of the pupil because of the circumstances described in subsection 300.3 (3), and the policies and guidelines must be consistent with those established by the Minister under section 301 and must address such matters and include such requirements as the Minister may specify. 2009, c. 17, s. 3 (2).

(3.3)  If required to do so by the Minister, a board shall establish policies and guidelines with respect to responses under section 300.4 by employees of a board, including but not limited to policies and guidelines with respect to the kinds of responses that are appropriate, and the policies and guidelines must be consistent with those established by the Minister under section 301, and must address such matters and include such requirements as the Minister may specify. 2009, c. 17, s. 3 (2).

(3.4)  Every board shall establish policies and guidelines with respect to bullying prevention and intervention in schools, and the policies and guidelines must,

(a) be consistent with those established by the Minister under section 301;

(b) address every matter described in clauses 301 (7.1) (a) to (h); and

(c) address any other matter and include any other requirement that the Minister may specify. 2012, c. 5, s. 11 (2).

Same, governing access to school premises

(4)  A board may establish policies and guidelines governing access to school premises, and the policies and guidelines must be consistent with the regulations made under section 305 and must address such matters and include such requirements as the Minister may specify. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(5)  If required to do so by the Minister, a board shall establish policies and guidelines respecting appropriate dress for pupils in schools within the board’s jurisdiction, and the policies and guidelines must address such matters and include such requirements as the Minister may specify. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(6)  A board shall establish policies and guidelines governing,

(a) appeals of a decision to suspend a pupil;

(b) principals’ investigations to determine whether to recommend that a pupil be expelled; and

(c) expulsion hearings. 2007, c. 14, s. 3 (1).

Same

(6.1)  If the Minister has established policies and guidelines under subsection 301 (6.1), a board’s policies and guidelines under subsection (6) must address such matters and include such requirements as specified by the Minister. 2007, c. 14, s. 3 (1).

(7)  A board may establish different policies and guidelines under this section for different circumstances, for different locations and for different classes of persons. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(8)  When establishing policies and guidelines under this section, a board shall consider the views of school councils with respect to the contents of the policies and guidelines. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(9)  The board shall periodically review its policies and guidelines established under this section and shall solicit the views of pupils, teachers, staff, volunteers working in the schools, parents and guardians, school councils and the public. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(9.1)  A board shall ensure that a copy of the policies and guidelines it establishes under subsections (1) and (2) are available to the public. 2007, c. 14, s. 3 (2).

(10)  Policies and guidelines established under this section are not regulations within the meaning of Part III (Regulations) of the Legislation Act, 2006. 2000, c. 12, s. 3; 2006, c. 21, Sched. F, s. 136 (1).

303.  (1)  A board may direct the principal of a school to establish a local code of conduct governing the behaviour of all persons in the school, and the local code must be consistent with the provincial code established under subsection 301 (1) and must address such matters and include such requirements as the board may specify. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(2)  A board shall direct a principal to establish a local code of conduct if the board is required to do so by the Minister, and the local code must address such matters and include such requirements as the Minister may specify. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(3)  When establishing or reviewing a local code of conduct, the principal shall consider the views of the school council with respect to its contents. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(4)  A local code of conduct is not a regulation within the meaning of Part III (Regulations) of the Legislation Act, 2006. 2000, c. 12, s. 3; 2006, c. 21, Sched. F, s. 136 (1).

303.1  (1)  Every board shall support pupils who want to establish and lead activities and organizations that promote a safe and inclusive learning environment, the acceptance of and respect for others and the creation of a positive school climate, including,

(a) activities or organizations that promote gender equity;

(b) activities or organizations that promote anti-racism;

(c) activities or organizations that promote the awareness and understanding of, and respect for, persons with disabilities; or

(d) activities or organizations that promote the awareness and understanding of, and respect for, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, including organizations with the name gay-straight alliance or another name. 2012, c. 5, s. 12; 2016, c. 5, Sched. 8, s. 9.

(2)  For greater certainty, neither the board nor the principal shall refuse to allow a pupil to use the name gay-straight alliance or a similar name for an organization described in clause (1) (d). 2012, c. 5, s. 12.

(3)  Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to require a board to support the establishment of an activity or organization in a school unless there is at least one pupil who wants to establish and lead it. 2012, c. 5, s. 12.

(4)  The name of an activity or organization described in subsection (1) must be consistent with the promotion of a positive school climate that is inclusive and accepting of all pupils. 2012, c. 5, s. 12.

(5)  A board shall comply with this section in a way that does not adversely affect any right of a pupil guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 2012, c. 5, s. 12.

303.2  (1)  The Minister shall develop a model bullying prevention and intervention plan to assist boards in establishing bullying prevention and intervention plans under section 303.3. 2012, c. 5, s. 13.

(2)  The Minister shall make the model bullying prevention and intervention plan available to every board. 2012, c. 5, s. 13.

303.3  (1)  Every board shall establish a bullying prevention and intervention plan for the schools of the board and require its schools to implement the plan. 2012, c. 5, s. 13.

(2)  The bullying prevention and intervention plan shall address any matter specified in the policies or guidelines made under clause 301 (7.1) (i). 2012, c. 5, s. 13.

(3)  When establishing the bullying prevention and intervention plan, a board shall solicit the views of the pupils, teachers and staff of the board, the volunteers working in the schools, the parents and guardians of the pupils, school councils and the public. 2012, c. 5, s. 13.

(4)  A board shall make its bullying prevention and intervention plan available to the public by posting it on the board’s website or, if the board does not have a website, in another manner that the board considers appropriate. 2012, c. 5, s. 13.

(5)  A principal of a school shall make the board’s bullying prevention and intervention plan available to the public by posting it on the school’s website or, if the school does not have a website, in another manner that the principal considers appropriate. 2012, c. 5, s. 13.

(6)  A board shall periodically review its bullying prevention and intervention plan and shall solicit the views of those listed in subsection (3). 2012, c. 5, s. 13.

304.  (1)  Every board shall ensure that opening or closing exercises are held in each school under the board’s jurisdiction, in accordance with the requirements set out in the regulations. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(2)  The opening or closing exercises must include the singing of O Canada and may include the recitation of a pledge of citizenship in the form set out in the regulations. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(3)  A pupil is not required to participate in the opening or closing exercises in such circumstances as are prescribed by regulation. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

305.  (1)  The Minister may make regulations governing access to school premises, specifying classes of persons who are permitted to be on school premises and specifying the days and times at which different classes of persons are prohibited from being on school premises. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(2)  No person shall enter or remain on school premises unless he or she is authorized by regulation to be there on that day or at that time. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(3)  A person shall not enter or remain on school premises if he or she is prohibited under a board policy from being there on that day or at that time. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(4)  The principal of a school may direct a person to leave the school premises if the principal believes that the person is prohibited by regulation or under a board policy from being there. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

(5)  Every person who contravenes subsection (2) is guilty of an offence. 2000, c. 12, s. 3.

Suspension

306.  (1)  A principal shall consider whether to suspend a pupil if he or she believes that the pupil has engaged in any of the following activities while at school, at a school-related activity or in other circumstances where engaging in the activity will have an impact on the school climate:

1. Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person.

2. Possessing alcohol or illegal drugs.

3. Being under the influence of alcohol.

4. Swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority.

5. Committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the pupil’s school or to property located on the premises of the pupil’s school.

6. Bullying.

7. Any other activity that is an activity for which a principal may suspend a pupil under a policy of the board. 2007, c. 14, s. 4.

Factors principal must consider

(2)  In considering whether to suspend a pupil for engaging in an activity described in subsection (1), a principal shall take into account any mitigating or other factors prescribed by the regulations. 2007, c. 14, s. 4.

(3)  If a principal decides to suspend a pupil for engaging in an activity described in subsection (1), the principal shall suspend the pupil from his or her school and from engaging in all school-related activities. 2007, c. 14, s. 4.

(4)  A suspension under this section shall be for no less than one school day and no more than 20 school days and, in considering how long the suspension should be, a principal shall take into account any mitigating or other factors prescribed by the regulations. 2007, c. 14, s. 4.

(5)  When a principal suspends a pupil under this section, he or she shall assign the pupil to a program for suspended pupils in accordance with any policies or guidelines issued by the Minister. 2007, c. 14, s. 4.

(6)  The Minister may issue policies and guidelines to boards to assist principals in interpreting and administering this section. 2007, c. 14, s. 4.

(7)  A pupil who is suspended is not considered to be engaged in school-related activities by virtue of participating in a program for suspended pupils. 2007, c. 14, s. 4.

307.  A principal may not suspend a pupil under section 306 more than once for the same occurrence. 2007, c. 14, s. 4.

308.  (1)  A principal who suspends a pupil under section 306 shall,

(a) inform the pupil’s teacher of the suspension; and

(b) make all reasonable efforts to inform the pupil’s parent or guardian of the suspension within 24 hours of the suspension being imposed, unless,

(i) the pupil is at least 18 years old, or

(ii) the pupil is 16 or 17 years old and has withdrawn from parental control. 2007, c. 14, s. 4.

(2)  A principal who suspends a pupil under section 306 shall ensure that written notice of the suspension is given promptly to the following persons:

1. The pupil.

2. The pupil’s parent or guardian, unless,

i. the pupil is at least 18 years old, or

ii. the pupil is 16 or 17 years old and has withdrawn from parental control.

3. Such other persons as may be specified by board policy. 2007, c. 14, s. 4.

Contents of notice

(3)  The notice under subsection (2) must include the following:

1. The reason for the suspension.

2. The duration of the suspension.

3. Information about any program for suspended pupils to which the pupil is assigned.

4. Information about the right to appeal the suspension under section 309, including,

i. a copy of the board policies and guidelines governing the appeal established by the board under subsection 302 (6), and

ii. the name and contact information of the supervisory officer to whom notice of the appeal must be given under subsection 309 (2). 2007, c. 14, s. 4.

309.  (1)  The following persons may appeal, to the board, a principal’s decision to suspend a pupil under section 306:

1. The pupil’s parent or guardian, unless,

i. the pupil is at least 18 years old, or

ii. the pupil is 16 or 17 years old and has withdrawn from parental control.

2. The pupil, if,

i. the pupil is at least 18 years old, or

ii. the pupil is 16 or 17 years old and has withdrawn from parental control.

3. Such other persons as may be specified by board policy. 2007, c. 14, s. 4.

Board designate

(2)  Every board shall designate a supervisory officer for the purposes of receiving notices of intention to appeal a suspension. 2007, c. 14, s. 4.

(3)  A person who is entitled to appeal a suspension under subsection (1) must give written notice of his or her intention to appeal to the supervisory officer designated by the board within 10 school days of the commencement of the suspension. 2007, c. 14, s. 4.

(3.1)  The supervisory officer may extend the deadline mentioned in subsection (3) if the person requests an extension to accommodate his or her disability. 2016, c. 5, Sched. 8, s. 10.

(4)  After receiving a notice of intention to appeal under subsection (3), the board shall promptly contact every person entitled to appeal the suspension under subsection (1) and inform him or her that it has received the notice of intention to appeal. 2007, c. 14, s. 4.